Will the Supreme Court Uphold Asaram's Interim Bail?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has upheld the six-month interim bail of Asaram, a convicted rapist, despite a survivor's appeal. This ruling keeps the High Court's decision in place as the case continues to unfold.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court upheld Asaram's interim bail.
- The survivor's petition was dismissed.
- Asaram has been in custody since 2013.
- Legal proceedings continue in the Rajasthan High Court.
Jaipur, Dec 8 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has decided not to revoke the six-month interim bail previously issued to Asaram, a convicted rapist, by the Rajasthan High Court. This decision comes in response to a Special Leave Petition (SLP) submitted by the survivor in the 2013 Jodhpur POCSO case.
A bench consisting of Justices Pamidighantam Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar dismissed the appeal, thereby allowing the High Court’s ruling to remain intact.
The petition, which was filed on November 21, named both the State of Rajasthan and Asaram (also known as Ashumal) as respondents, and fell under the category of ‘Crimes against Children and POCSO Act 2012’.
This matter was discussed in court on Monday, where the judges opted not to interfere with the bail order.
The SLP contested the Rajasthan High Court’s decision from October 29, which granted Asaram six months of interim bail on medical grounds.
Advocate Aljo K. Joseph, representing the survivor, also requested permission to file the SLP even without a certified copy of the High Court’s ruling.
Prior to the hearing, Asaram’s legal team submitted a caveat on November 3 to prevent any ex parte orders. The case was brought before the court on December 8 under the bail matters category, where both parties presented their arguments.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court indicated “delay condoned”, suggesting that the petition was not dismissed on procedural grounds despite its late submission. However, the remark “matter dismissed” reinforces that the court chose not to grant the request for bail cancellation after evaluating the case on its merits.
Moreover, the order indicates that all outstanding interim applications related to this case have been resolved, confirming the continuation of the High Court’s bail ruling until the main appeal is heard.
This case traces back to August 2013 when a minor girl from Uttar Pradesh accused Asaram of sexually assaulting her at his Manai Ashram in Jodhpur.
A zero FIR was initially filed in Delhi before the case was transferred to Rajasthan.
Asaram was apprehended in Indore on September 1, 2013, and has remained in custody since. Following a trial, on April 25, 2018, the Jodhpur Special POCSO Court convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
His appeal against this conviction is currently pending with the Rajasthan High Court.
Point of View
It is imperative to report on significant legal matters such as this one. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold Asaram's interim bail raises questions about legal processes and the rights of survivors. We remain committed to providing comprehensive coverage of this case as it develops.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding Asaram's bail?
The Supreme Court upheld the six-month interim bail granted to Asaram by the Rajasthan High Court, dismissing the survivor's Special Leave Petition.
What are the implications of this ruling?
The ruling allows Asaram's bail to remain in effect while the main appeal is pending, raising concerns about survivor rights in legal proceedings.
When was Asaram convicted?
The Jodhpur Special POCSO Court convicted Asaram and sentenced him to life imprisonment on April 25, 2018.
What is the background of the case?
The case dates back to August 2013 when a minor girl accused Asaram of sexual assault at his Manai Ashram in Jodhpur.
What is the next step for the survivor's legal team?
The survivor's legal team may continue to pursue the main appeal against Asaram's bail and his conviction.
